Friday, 27 September 2019

I picked up my scrip at Walgreen's today. I paid $15 for the Clopidogrel tablets (90 days supply) tablets which should have cost $419 -- this enormously reduced cost is thanks to my superb (Episcopal) Church Pension Fund coverage.Many American citizens who need Clopidogrel (especially those without Insurance coverage) would be faced with an annual cost of nearly $1600 for this essential medication, but I pay only $60 per annum.Doesn't seem fair, wise, or just. Especially because the cost for the poorer citizens eats up a high percentage of their meager enough incomes, long before paying for rent, food, and transportation to and from work.We clearly need an equalizing national health system which provides the best care at the lowest cost for all citizens.But you, my republican friends, will protest that such a system would be "socialist" (so it must be bad).Oh phoney baloney; get your mind and act together! Move beyond your unintelligent and politically biased prejudices, and vote and work for that which is best for all Americans."One Nation (under G-d) with liberty and justice for ALL"

Greta Thunberg, that amazing and prophetic woman, is calling our world leaders to repentance and change in the face of the impending world wide disaster as a result of climate change.The best that the President of the United States can do in response to her wisdom, is to mock her in his cruel and malicious twitter post.President Trump you are not a nice man. In fact, you are evil. Who could ever imagine that the bully pulpit of the White House would be used to deride a sixteen years old woman? Has Trump no decency?--------------------------------------------------------------------------Trump loves to hang around with some American Evangelical leaders who endorse his every utterance (and fart)."Evangelical" leaders in the U.S.A., and in many other lands, claim to be Biblical Christians, even as they amass their wealth as a form of pseudo protection in the face of the impending disaster.Have these so-called Biblical leaders never read the New Testament book of James? Heed Greta Thunberg, and hear the Word of God from the letter of James you uber-rich leaders (Joel Osteen, Franklin Graham, Robert Jeffries, Jerry Falwell Jr. to name a few.) Your wealth will not save you in the coming days of disaster.

5 Come now, you rich people, weep and wail for the miseries that are coming to you. 2 Your riches have rotted, and your clothes are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence against you, and it will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure[a] for the last days. 4 Listen! The wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous one, who does not resist you.

Monday, 23 September 2019

St. Martin in the Fields - a sacred and quiet space in London's busy and hectic Trafalgar Square.

Classical Music lovers may never had darkened the doors of St. Martin in the Fields, but they will most certainly be acquainted with the Chamber Orchestra known as the "Academy of St. Martin in the Fields" and its founder and long time leader, the late Sir Neville Marriner. (The Orchestra is now led by the famed Violinist Joshua Bell).But here is a bit of humour re the identification of the Orchestra with its founding leader. (via WCRB Boston).-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Academy of St.
Martin in the Fields

Turn on any classical
radio station and you’re guaranteed to hear the ASMF at some point or another,
probably conducted by Neville Marriner.

This phenomenon was parodied back in
the 80s by cartoonist Charles Rodrigues in the magazine Stereo Review. A man
listens to his radio announce “the Academy of St Martin in the Fields,” while
his parrot chimes in, “Neville Marriner conducting.”

Sunday, 22 September 2019

I have lived in Sarasota, FL since 2006.My move from Massachusetts to Florida has had many challenges and blessings.The blessings have included making new friends - women and men who I would want to be near me when I approach death.The challenge is that "off they go".-------------------------------------------------------------------The Revd. Deacon Alan Rogers, taken away by death. I miss him so much.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Revd. Andrea (Andi) Taylor, taken away by her call to a new parish on Cape Cod, MA

And today; the wonderful Ann Albritton (retired Professor of Modern Art at Ringling College of Art and Design in SRQ) who is moving to Thomasville GA this Friday 27th Oct. 2019, to enjoy retirement near to her kin.

ZION and I were at her farewell party today.

Zion behaved, and so did I. But dear Ann I will miss you greatly.

My modern art appreciation reaches at least to Salvador Dali, that's why I have posted his "Christ of St. John of the Cross" in your honour.

About Me

I am from a blue collar background in Bristol, England, and was educated in the days of the 11+ system.
I am one of nine children. My eight siblings live in England.
After school I was first a banker; then a seminarian; then an Episcopal Priest.
I trained for ordained ministry at St. John's College, Nottingham, U.K; and the University of Nottingham from which I was graduated with the degree Bachelor in Theology.
I had 30 years of parish ministry in Massachusetts. (Fitchburg, Chicopee, Pittsfield and Cambridge).
Now retired, I live in Sarasota, FL.
My mantra: - "There is no secular world".